The MRP Foundation learners dazzled on stage during their school plays.

Parents and teachers were treated to magical songs, energetic dancing and inspired acting at St Christopher’s school play, The Little Mermaid. The excited learners gave their all on stage and from stage design to crowd participation, everyone got involved to make the play a resounding success.

The other four MRP Foundation schools also staged their own Disney inspired plays with Aldinville putting on a production of the Jungle Book, Nyakana doing the Beauty and the Beast, Kearsney doing the Lion King and Zilungisele making their own play of Nolwazi and the Prince.

The school plays are part of the colourful arts and culture initiative called Iciko, which forms part of the MRP Foundation’s School programme. For the past five years, the holistic education programme has been implemented in five schools in rural Kwa-Dukuza, KZN, aiming to create an inspired learning environment through creative arts and culture lessons, environmental awareness, technology-based learning, dedicated physical education classes as well as assistance in mainstream subjects. Educators are also empowered through training and mentorships.

Having a creative outlet during school is so important for children as it’s another platform for expression. Being creative in art, music, dance and drama gives learners a different way to develop socially and emotionally and increase their self-confidence. For the second year running the arts and culture part of the programme has been implemented as part of the school’s curriculum making the fun lessons available to every child.

What a wonderful way to celebrate 2015’s successes and end the year off with a bang!